Leaks and clogs can cause serious damage fast. A broken pipe or fixture can flood your home in just minutes. That’s why every homeowner should know a few important plumbing maintenance basics to stay prepared.
These simple tips can help protect your plumbing system, lower repair costs, and keep your home safe, clean, and working the way it should all year long.
How to Find the Main Shut-Off Valve
- Look near the front basement wall where the water line enters the house
- Trace from your water meter in the front yard to the house wall. It’s often a straight line
- Label the shut-off valve so everyone in the home can find it fast in an emergency
Pro Tip: Make sure every family member knows where the shut-off valve is and how to turn it off. A quick response can prevent serious damage.
Locate Your Sewer Exit Point
If you ever deal with a sewer backup or need to install a deck or pool, you’ll need to know where your sewer exits the home. Digging in the wrong spot can waste time, money, and energy.
We’ve seen homeowners try to dig up a clogged sewer in the backyard, only to learn it exited through the front. Knowing this detail early helps avoid mistakes. This is especially true for home projects like deck building or landscaping.
Here’s why the sewer exit location matters:
- Prevent digging in the wrong area during repairs
- Avoid building over sewer lines with decks, patios, or pools
- Help plumbers quickly run a sewer camera or snake line in case of clogs
If you’re unsure where your sewer line goes, we can locate it using a camera inspection tool.
Key Takeaway: Before starting any big outdoor projects, find out where your sewer exits the house. This helps avoid costly surprises.
Need expert help with plumbing maintenance? Contact Dick Ray for a free consultation. We’ll inspect your shut-off valve, sewer line, water pressure, and fixtures. This helps keep your plumbing safe and problem-free.
Understand and Check Your Shower Valves
Not all shower valves are made the same. If you live in an older home, your shower may lack modern safety features that help prevent burns from sudden changes in water temperature.
Newer homes usually have “scald guard” or pressure-balancing cartridges, often called “Posi-Temp” valves. These adjust water flow if someone flushes a toilet or turns on a sink, helping protect you from a sudden hot or cold blast.
Why shower valve updates matter:
- Children and older adults are at higher risk of scalds from hot water
- Older valves may not adjust for pressure changes
- Upgrading to a Posi-Temp valve helps regulate safe water temperature
We can replace older fixtures with modern ones that provide better safety and comfort for your whole family.
Monitor Your Water Pressure
Many homeowners don’t think about water pressure until something breaks. Water pressure above 80 PSI can damage supply hoses, toilets, and appliances like your washing machine.
Checking your home’s water pressure is simple. You can pick up a pressure gauge from a hardware store, screw it onto an outdoor faucet, and check the reading. If it’s above 80 PSI, a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) should be installed to bring it down to code.
Here are some signs you may have high water pressure:
- Banging pipes or water hammer sounds
- Leaking hose connections or appliance lines
- Frequently broken toilet fill valves or faucets
Pro Tip: A PRV not only protects your plumbing but can also extend the life of your appliances.
In Summary
The best way to avoid costly plumbing problems is to stay ahead of them. Know where your main shut-off valve is. Locate your sewer line exit. Check your shower valves. Test your water pressure. These easy plumbing maintenance tips can help every homeowner avoid big problems before they begin.
Ready to protect your home? Contact Dick Ray today for expert plumbing maintenance help and peace of mind.
